Call UT professors: 'Strike with us!'

Dear colleagues,

At the University of Twente we will be on strike on March 25th. This strike is directed against the education budget cuts planned by the current government, not against our employer, the university. We are striking in protest against a government that wants to push through unprecedented budget cuts that are unnecessary, unwise, undesirable, and not legitimate. On other days in March and April, other universities across the Netherlands will also strike. Following the example of our colleagues in Utrecht and Nijmegen, we hereby make the same appeal: strike with us!

Healthy universities are crucial for a flourishing democracy. They promote critical thinking, independent research and informed debates, which are essential for an engaged society. The planned cuts threaten academic freedom, innovation and equal access to education. A weakened university system means a weakened democracy.

The University of Twente distinguishes itself through its unique combination of technical and social sciences with focus and potential for inter- and transdisciplinary research aimed at the impact domains of health, climate, safety and chip technology. This education and research profile is crucial for the major societal transitions that lie ahead, such as the healthcare, energy transition, and digital security. The planned cuts threaten this unique profile and thus our capacity to provide innovative solutions for the complex societal challenges.

On March 25th, we are therefore laying down our work and organizing alternative actions. We find this difficult because we are passionate about research and education, which are of great social importance. In higher education in the Netherlands, strikes are very rare. However, circumstances call for unprecedented action, so that the government and opposition realize that the budget cuts will cut very deeply into the system. They must also realize that the consequences for workload, employment, teaching and research quality, and economic impact will be very significant. We are already seeing this negative impact around us, as universities are forced to take an advance on the cuts.

As professors from several UT faculties, we think it is important to call on everyone to go on strike and join a protest rally (if duty permits). Regardless of your position, you are within your rights to go on strike. Being involved in this strike does not affect your work appraisal or your salary. This is a legitimate strike, supported by the main staff and student unions: Algemene Onderwijsbond (AOb), the Landelijke Studentenvakbond, WOinAction and FNV. The Executive Board of the University supports the protest. The preliminary programme of the day can be found here.

It sounds paradoxical, but it is precisely by going on strike that you stand up for scientific research and education. So join the strike - stand up for knowledge, for students, and for the future of the University of Twente!

With collegial regards,

Professors from the faculties Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences (BMS), Engineering Technology (ET), E lectrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science (EEMCS), Geo-Informatie Wetenschappen en Aardobservatie (ITC), Technische Natuurwetenschappen (TNW)